At least two political analysts agree that the ruling in favour of David Lee in his misbehaviour in public office charge, is a boost for him and the United National Congress (UNC) as the General Election campaign intensifies.
Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles yesterday dismissed the charges of conspiracy to defraud and misbehaviour in public office against Lee, after upholding a no-case submission presented by his legal team, led by Wayne Sturge and Mario Merritt of Regius Chambers.
Magistrate Charles ruled that the prosecution had presented insufficient evidence to sustain the charges or proceed to trial.
Reacting to the development, political analyst Dr Shane Mohammed said the ruling was a welcome one for Lee during the campaign.
“Nobody wants to have any kind of matter hanging over their head, so that’s a political boost for him ... It’s a win. I see it as a win for the UNC. It’s a win for David Lee in some ways. It’s a political bolster for both the UNC and David Lee,” he said.
On whether the ruling might affect the People’s National Movement’s campaign strategy, Dr Mohammed said he does not believe it will force a change in their messaging or their accusations of corruption against UNC members.
“They’re not going to change anything ... They’re going to be unapologetic. We are in a political war, so to speak, and they’re going to do anything to spin the story. They’ll say the case was dropped on a technicality—doesn’t mean he’s innocent,” he said.
Political scientist Dr Indera Sagewan shared a similar perspective.
“I’m sure he can now move forward with his political campaigning without this hanging over his head, and he can use this on the campaign trail to dismiss the PNM’s attacks,” Sagewan said.
Dr Sagewan also expressed the view that the ruling has put the UNC in a stronger position when addressing the public.
She, too, does not believe it will change the way the PNM continues with its campaign.
“I certainly think they will continue along similar lines with respect to other UNC members they believe have questionable issues surrounding them. I expect them to dig their feet in even deeper on those individuals,” she said.